Is Any Job Worth Your Life?
Last March, I was called out to provide several estimates for homeowners. Unfortunately, I had to deliver bad news to them—I wasn’t able to clean their properties due to preexisting conditions caused by rodents. Each of the four cases stemmed from an influx of rats. Rats carry numerous diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to humans.
Interestingly, in every home I inspected, there were no obvious signs of rats—no droppings or the telltale smell of urine. Yet, the problem was isolated to one room in each house, where rats had entered through heating vents or unknown openings. The homeowners had taken the time to clean up visible droppings and surfaces, believing that professional carpet and upholstery cleaning would make everything safe and usable again. However, it’s not that simple.
The Professional’s Role in Identifying Hidden Risks
Professional cleaners and restorers are trained to detect hidden dangers during an initial walk-through. We use tools such as black lights and moisture probes, but our natural sense of smell is often our most valuable asset. In one case, I inspected an RV that had been affected. While my black light didn’t detect urine, the distinct musty smell of rats lingered in the air. Small, worn trails in the carpet revealed the rodents’ pathways.
The homeowner explained that she had found droppings on her sleeper sofa, particularly on the arms and cushions. Upon closer inspection, I noticed an overwhelming pungent smell and additional droppings inside the sofa. I had to explain to her that, due to the evidence of rat infestation, she would need to replace all soft furnishings and carpets in the RV. She was understandably devastated, but I educated her on the dangers of diseases such as Arenavirus and Hantavirus.
Understanding Hantavirus and Its Risks
Hantavirus is closely related to the Ebola virus, which caused a devastating outbreak in West Africa in 2014. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 49 confirmed Ebola cases and 29 deaths by March 23 of that year. Similarly, the Hantavirus gained national attention in the U.S. in 1993 when 17 people died from it in the Four Corners area of the Southwest, spanning Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The virus has also caused havoc in other parts of the world, including the Far East and Scandinavia.
In North America, the Hantavirus primarily attacks the lungs rather than the kidneys. Known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), or Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), it is a life-threatening illness.
Humans become infected through contact with live virus particles shed in rodent saliva, feces, or urine. Inhaling microscopic, aerosolized particles of dried rodent excretions is the primary mode of transmission. This puts professional cleaners and restorers at higher risk, particularly when working in old buildings, attics, or crawl spaces. Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential in these environments.
Symptoms of Hantavirus infection typically appear one to two weeks after exposure, though this can range from a few days to six weeks. Early symptoms resemble the flu, including high fever, muscle aches, coughing, and headaches. In severe cases, respiratory issues escalate, the lungs fill with fluid, and the patient dies from respiratory failure.
Knowing When to Walk Away
The dangers of Hantavirus highlight the importance of saying “no” to jobs that could jeopardize your health. As professional cleaners and restorers, we must prioritize safety and recognize when a situation is beyond our control. Even as I write this, a plague of swarming mice threatens the grain belt in New South Wales, Australia, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by rodent infestations.
Continuing Education and Awareness
I hope this newsletter inspires you to stay informed and continue your education. Knowing when to walk away can protect your health, your career, and your future.
I want to shout out a special thank you to Patrick Moffett for his research and insights into Hantavirus and Arenavirus. See you all at the next event!